The headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), Zakaria Abdulai, has resigned as secretary of the Juaben Constituency of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and withdrawn his candidature for the position of constituency chairman.

The decision, which takes immediate effect, comes amid allegations of sexual misconduct against him, which have attracted public attention following an investigation led by investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni.

In a statement announcing his decision, Mr Abdulai said he intended to pursue all lawful avenues to clear his name and vindicate his position.

“At this time, I intend to devote my attention and resources to pursuing all lawful avenues to clear my name and vindicate my position,” he stated.

He expressed gratitude to friends, relatives and well-wishers who had continued to support him despite the allegations.

“I wish to express my profound gratitude to my friends, relatives, and all well-wishers who have stood by me and maintained their faith in my innocence in the face of the allegations levelled against me and my office,” he said.

Mr Abdulai also thanked the NDC for the opportunity to serve the party as a member and an officer.

He described his time with the party as a privilege, saying he had been able to contribute to the growth and development of a political tradition he deeply loved and cherished.

Despite his resignation and withdrawal from the constituency chairmanship race, the headmaster expressed hope that he would return to active political engagement after resolving the matters surrounding the allegations.

“I remain hopeful that, once these matters are resolved, I will be able to return to active political engagement and continue contributing to the ideals and aspirations of the NDC,” he said.

His resignation follows a directive by the NDC’s Functional Executive Committee (FEC), which asked him to step aside to allow for an unhindered investigation by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service.

In a statement issued by the party’s General Secretary, Fifi Kwetey, on October 20, 2026, the FEC said the decision was taken in the interest of transparency and accountability.

The party, however, stressed that the directive did not amount to a determination of the merits of the allegations against Mr Abdulai, who remains entitled to the presumption of innocence.

The allegations against the headmaster include claims of sexual assault and harassment involving female students at Obuasi SHTS. The claims remain allegations and have not been established through a judicial process.

Embattled Obuasi SHTS headmaster speaks

BAI

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